UPDATE:
It turns out that the dog that bit a 4-year-old child in South Hutchinson, was owned by the child’s uncle.
The child was visiting her uncle at 1613 W. Blanchard. He has been identified as Josiah Cauthorn, who was the adult present when she was bit.
The dog that bit Kailynn had reportedly wandered into Cauthorn’s yard about 4 months ago so he started feeding, watering and housing it which, under Kansas law, makes him the owner. He was afraid of being charged with “Harboring a Dangerous Animal” so denied knowing where the dog came from after the initial report was made Monday evening.
Sheriff Randy Henderson says this delayed the investigation and possible treatment for an additional 18-hours. After conferring with District Attorney Keith Schroeder, it was determined that the case is classified as a “dog bite” because there needs to be a history of aggression for the “Harboring a Dangerous Animal”.
Again, no charges will be filed against Cauthorn. It is not yet known what will happen to the dog.
ORIGINAL: Law enforcement officials are seeking the owners of a dog that attacked a small child in Hutchinson Monday evening
Around 5:40 pm, 4-yr-old Kailynn Renee Hartman was playing in a family member’s yard at 1613 W. Blanchard, South Hutchinson.
Her uncle heard a scream and looked over and saw Kailynn pinned to the ground by a large dog that appears to be a Shepard mix dog. The dog was reportedly biting the child around the neck. The uncle was able to scare the dog off and transported Kailynn to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where she was treated for a large gash to the front of her neck and more punctures from teeth to the back of the neck.
Officers were able to get control of the dog and transport it to a vet for observation. The dog had no collar and neighbors in the area said they had not seen the dog before.
Officers reported Kailynn was talking to them and appeared she was going to be ok when they left the hospital.
The location of the incident is near Mennonite Manor Retirement Home.
If you recognize the dog or know who it may belong to, you’re asked to contact the Reno County Sheriff’s Department at 694-2735.